Silly season survival – 5 top tips to avoid gaining weight
We all want to kick up our heels (if we can remember where we put them) this year in particular. The silly season is upon us and I feel like a party (with 20 people) more than ever!
What I do not feel like though is gaining any more weight. Getting through covid, banana bread, sourdough, baking and all that staying home and coming out the other end – there has been quite enough weight gain for one year.
Being realistic this is not a time when you are likely to lose weight. The aim of the game over this busy time is to try to limit any large gains that will be difficult to lose.
Here are my top tips for enjoying yourself during this party season without ending up with an extra 5 kgs to see the new year in.
- Do not turn up to an event or a party starving hungry.
Have something to eat before you leave. For example, a small tub of greek yoghurt, an apple or a banana. Just something to take the edge off your hunger. The aim is to slightly ruin your appetite!
2. Drink a lot of water
On the day of the event drink water. When you arrive have a big glass of water first. Every second drink is water. The next day after over indulging – have a lot of water.
3. Put all of your party food onto a “plate”
If no plates are supplied then make a mental note of what you are eating. Picture it on a plate. Once the “plate” starts getting full ease up. It is so easy to eat a lot of little things. If all of those things were on a plate you would be surprised. Instead of aimless mindless grazing decide what delicious food you will eat, eat it and then stop.
4. Limit salty food
We all know about trying not to have too much sugar. We should also be keeping an eye on salty foods. Salty food with high levels of sodium will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable the next day. A lot of the time the salty foods are things like chips which are really not that delicious or special. Eat the special foods that you will really enjoy and savour. Stay away from fillers like bread and crackers and chips. At Christmas time eating a lot of ham (when you usually so not have so much ham) can make a big difference to the amount of fluid you retain.
5. Pick delicious food that is also healthy if it is available
No food should be off limits. It will only make you obsess. But usually there are some great options that are delicious and healthy too. Seafood is a great option as is turkey. People these days make amazing salads. Fill up on delicious summer fruits. It is usually possible to pick some good options and not be deprived.
6. Focus on catching up with friends more than eating and drinking
Let’s face it the most fun part of socialising is the socialising. You do not need to eat and drink to excess to enjoy the company of your friends and family.
7. The day before and the day after
If you know you are going to be eating more than usual on a particular day eat lightly the day before and the day afterwards. Try to visualise what you are eating and drinking as part of a week or a month rather than a day. You can still stay on track by eating less on the other days of the week. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking “Oh well I have blown it now. I will start my diet next year.” Get back to eating well the very next day.
8. Keep training
It might become harder to stick to the training schedule when you have things on over the silly season. But try really hard to keep training most of the time. Catch up with friends for a walk rather than morning tea. Go for a swim in the ocean. Run around with the kids or the dog. It will put you in a great headspace to enjoy yourself even more.
Have fun and enjoy yourself . Let the silly season begin.
See my website https://www.dellafit.com.au/ for information about training with Dellafit in the new year.
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